Roadwork causes backups on I-65

Patching work in the southbound lanes of Interstate 65 south of Columbus resulted in slowed and stopped traffic Monday morning, which could continue through the week.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is patching the right lane of southbound I-65 from Walesboro to Seymour, closing it daily through Thursday from 6 p.m. until noon the next day, said Harry Maginity, INDOT spokesman.

However, INDOT crews began removing barrels at 9 a.m. Monday after completing their work early and in the wake of long backups that occurred with southbound traffic. Emergency dispatchers were told by ambulance drivers on runs that they were finding a way around I-65 because of the backups after being sent to an accident at County Roads 100W and 450S on Monday morning.

INDOT estimates 48,000 vehicle travel south from Columbus toward the Walesboro exit each day and had warned motorists last week to expect slow traffic and lines during peak travel periods with the patching work.

Reith Riley is the state’s contractor for the $1.2 million pavement repair project and has until Nov. 30 to complete the patching on the interstate.